Rowan

Hi I've just found another product that can be used for matrix type switching and Alot more (Almost all dynamic processer) This product is designed specifically for pro audio apps, which is a big bonus. When used in switching apps it will be able to interface directly with the DOUT modual. As far as MIOS is concerend very little code should have to be changed in order to get it to work. Two devices per "switch point"will be needed to achive good attenuation of signals when "off", so this device would not be pratical for large scale switching. But would be fine of small projects. The device can be found at: http://www.silonex.com/audiohm/index.html I haven't found any prices yet, though the manufacture claims they cost less than VCA's I don't know if anybody has worked out quite where I'de like all this dicussion to lead to. What I'm working towards (apart from a project for uni) is an analog mointor section for a MB which is under the control of MIOS (poss. more analog features which are of use to studio based MB users). The Mackie HUI has such a monitor section. If you would like to know more about whan I'm talking about. Rowan

Hi Does the MB com-unity have any RF engineers out there. Rowan

Hi I had a 8x8 midisport in one of the studios at work which gave us endless problems. This was about 2 years ago so things could have improved since then. If I remeber correctly It seemed to be a driver issue (we use Macs at work). We got rid of the midisport and replaced it with a unitor8 with no problems. I also use an emagic MT4 (4in 4out) with on problems. While i'm talking about midi interfaces. I've got two midi interfaces for the Atari (Midiex 2in 4out, and a soundpool one 4out) which need a good home. Any Atari users out there? Thats my two cents. Rowan

Hi I've just been in contact with Analog Devices in the US of A. I'm glad to say that they were more than happy to send samples of the AD8113JST, even after I told them it was for a non-comercial product. :) Good on you Analog Devices!!!! :) :) Just about time to turn all this talk into action. Rowan

Hi I've been thinking more about this idea. If Infra red was used it would require line of sight between the Tx and Rx? I'de like to avoid this. Maybe an RF link would be more suitable. Rowan

Hi I was thinking last night about how nice it would be to cut down the amount of cables in my studio. Then I thought that how nice it would be to have Infer red or some other kind of wireless data connection between all my midi gear. I've never seen such a product for sale. This could be worth investigating further (after I finished the 16 x16 matrix). I can't imagine it would be very hard to implement. Anyway, just another of my hairbrained scheams. Let me know what you think. Rowan

Hi Thank for pointing out the IC illiminator. I've looked at the data sheet and the chip looks more suitable than the AD75019JP. The data sheet provides good application notes, which are always helpful. How did you go about ordering samples from Analog Devices. I thought that samples where not avalible for these IC's. The Chip is quite expensive though: $44.54 from Newark inone. part number is 33C3515 Thanks Rowan

Hi Nat: the IC may work, I haven't tried them. Steven_C: Cheack out the Texes Inst. Page: http://focus.ti.com/docs/prod/productfolder.jhtml?genericPartNumber=INA103 Look At the data sheets. It will tell you all you need to know. Rowan

Hi These switchs can be brought from almost all electronic shops. The problem is that they are NOT momentary(when you switch them on, they stay on). Momentary switchs like these are most likey avalible. Rowan

Hi again Just read my post, sorry for the spelling. Rowan

Hi Richard Thank you for the insight. It will be useful. Rowan

Hi I'm about to change the lcd on my mios midibox from a 16x2 to a 40x2. Do I have to reburn the bootstrap with the right ID, or is there a way that I can do it via mios. Thanks guys Rowan

Hi I've just ordered myself another 3 INA103KP's. I've got to wait till I order more so I can build the 8 channel mic pre I've been workink on. Ian, how is the studio coming. If you haven't splashed out on multicore cable yet let me know. I'm on to a good deal for proel cable, I got some 12 core twisted pair on monday for $13/m, hey that's cheaper than 12 meters of single core from dick smith. Rowan

Hi go for the: CD74HC165E and the SN74HC595N you can also get the 4051: CD4051BE And the RS-232 line driver fot the LTC modual: MAX232IN another IC worth checking out in the :INA103KP (Very high quality instrumentation op-amp manufactured by Burr-Brown, this can be used as a mic pre-amp with phantom power and 20dB pad and lots of gain, with less than 20 external components. the curcuit is simple, It shouldn't take more than an hour to make on veroboard) These op-amps cost about $50NZ each ($1NZ = approx $0.58US) Rowan

Hi All your ideas should work, as long as the software you plan on using responds to MIDI (which i'm sure it would). The pedel idea will work. Rather than using racing pedels I think you would be better off buying a keyboard volume pedel, then replace the internal pot with a 10k linear one. Just make sure that the pedel you buy has enough space to fit the electronics. You could remove the "rocker" and mount it in another case if you need more space. I sugest this approch due to the more robust nature of pedels manufactured for this purpose. Rowan

Hi Thank Benni, i'll study the schematic tonight. At first glance it looks like it has some useful ideas. Once again, thanks. Any input is very helpful, as it saves alot of time. Rowan

Hi the MB64 supports any LCD that conforms to the HD44780 standard. This standard relates to the driver IC which controls the display itself. Almost all charater LCD displays use driver IC's which are compatable. I also belive that the MB64 also can handle 16x4 displays. I have not tried this type of display therefore I can not confirm this. I have an MB64 with a 16x2 display which works fine. As for the encoders. Currently the MB64 firmware is only avalible for the 16F877 PIC, which MIOS DOES NOT support. TK has talked of porting the MB64 to MIOS, therefore encoders could be easliy incorporated. No date has been set at the stage for the port. You could use the 18F and MIOS to "Build" a MB64, but it could be more simple to start with the 16F and once that is working you could move to the 18F (all you have to do is change the PIC and the xtal) Food for thought? Rowan

Here are the crystals I've used sucessfully PIC16F/ www.jaycar.co.nz / 20 MHz / RQ-5299/ $4.95NZ PIC 18F/ www.jaycar.co.nz / 10MHz / RQ-5289/ $5.55NZ PIC 18F/ www.dicksmith.co.nz/ 10MHz/ Z 9910/ $5.95NZ Rowan

Hi Ian: Thanks, I'll give you a call when I've got a chance to arrange things. stryd_one: Cool, I'm pleased you are still interested. I'm planning on persuing both options at this stage (IC and Realys). I've got to keep my options open to the possible solutions to this problem, My understanding of how the chip will work was pretty similer to yours. I'm going to order the IC this week to breadboard the circuit. I can take care of all the electronic prototyping, PCB design etc. What I really need is someone to write the code for MISO. Anyway, I've got a little over three months to complet this design. I'm thinking of using two cores for this project, 1 for the control for the switching matrix and a second core for the remote. The reason i've chosen to use a core in each unit is so the remote does not have to be connected for the unit to function. This useful for set and forget situations where more than one unit is in use. The idea I have for the remote is simple and funtional: 40x2 LDC with 8 pushbutton encoders below 4 Menu navigation buttons bank sav/select buttons MIDI out I'm going to redesing the PCB's so that all compnents fit on one board to minimise size and wiring. It is possible I may use surface mount components. Enough talk, I've got to get my hands on on of the IC's and relays to get to work later Rowan

Hi Thanks Ian, I might have to take you up on the offer. I'm getting nowhere fast trying to figuer out how to get MIOS to talk to the chip. Could you give me the part number for the relays so I can check out the specs Thanks Rowan

Hi Does anyone know what rate the 18F transmits data to the shift registers in the DOUT modual? The IC I'm looking at using reqiures data to be clocked between 20kHz -> 5MHz. The IC have 2 data input lines, 1 for serial data transfer from the Micro to the first set of internal shift registers, and a second parellel input to move the 256 bits of data recived to the next block of memory. As the data is transfered in serial to the register I assume that the parallel input should be running at 1/256th the speed of the serial input. Any ideas? Rowan

Hi Here is my initial idea for the spec: Any input can be routed to any output. inputs and outputs can be ganged. Display (LED,LCD etc) to show which input is routed to which output . Ability to store set-up's Mains powered (No wall wart!!). Clip LED's on the input's. Balanced I/O. +4dBu Op level. NO fan. Removable front panel for remote editing. Anymore ideas that are realisitic? Rowan

Hi I'm going to build a 16x16 swithing matrix (digitaly controlled pacthbay) which will be controlled by MIOS for a project at university this semester. Origanlly I planned to use relays, but I quickly realised this would cost alot of money (256 relays!!). I've been looking into solid state solutions to this problem and I found a IC which should do the job. 16 input 16 output 256 crosspoint (Any input can be routed to any or all outputs) Chip can be cascaded to create a Matrix of an size! The IC is: AD75019JP the data sheet is avalible at: http://www.analog.com/UploadedFiles/Data_Sheets/267321864AD75019_c.pdf Will I be able to interface this chip with MIOS? Anyone have any better ideas to achive the same result? Anyone interested in developing this with me so we can release this to the MIDIbox community? This IS going to happen, so help on ANY level would be useful. I am currently developing the spec. so input at this stage will be very helpful. Feedback please Rowan

This topic has been moved to [link=http://www.midibox.org/cgi-bin/yabb/YaBB.cgi?board=concepts;action=display;num=1059687344;start=0]Design Concepts[/link] by Thorsten Klose.

Hi Simon It should open fine. You don't need the .sch file to open the .brd file. In the file menu of the control panel select open > board. Eagle will tell you that no forward/backward anotation can be performed, click OK. Forward/backward anotation keeps the .sch and the .brd file consistant. Because you are not using the .sch this is not important. To display just the tracks of the PCB you must select the "Display" icon in the toolbar of the board editor (second down on the left, it looks like three coloured squares layered) then deselect all but the first five(?) layers. Click OK and volia, you should have the artwork ready to print. Don't forget to mirror the image when you print it. Good luck Rowan